Hundreds of cats, dogs airlifted to Delaware for adoption

200 animals were flown to Delaware last week from at-risk and overcrowded shelters in Arizona and California. They were offered up for adoption at a "mega adoption" event last weekend.
John J. Jankowski Jr. & Damian Giletto

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Hundreds of puppies and kittens were flown to Delaware Saturday to partake in the Brandywine Valley SPCA's Mega Adoption Event the weekend of June 17-18.(Photo: John J. Jankowski Jr./Special to The News Journal)Buy Photo

At-risk puppies and kittens from outside state lines arrived Saturday in Delaware to take part in a "mega" adoption event next weekend.

Organizers hope that the 200 animals airlifted to Delaware will join 1,000 adoptable animals in a second annual adoption event sponsored by the Brandywine Valley SPCA, said Linda Torelli, director of marketing and programs with the West Chester, Pennsylvania-based animal welfare organization.

Big dogs, small dogs, puppies, kittens and cats will be looking for new and "forever" homes at Bellevue State Park near Wilmington on June 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days, Torelli said.

All adoptable pets, which will be spayed or neutered and microchipped and have up-to-date vaccinations, will be ready to join their new homes on the days of the event.

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Hundreds of puppies and kittens were flown to Delaware Saturday to partake in the Brandywine Valley SPCA's Mega Adoption Event the weekend of June 17-18.(Photo: John J. Jankowski Jr./Special to The News Journal)

Admission is free, and the adoption fee is $20. More than 5,000 visitors are expected.

The inaugural SPCA adoption event in December sent 886 animals home.

The 200 animals flown to Delaware come from at-risk and overcrowded shelters in Arizona and California. The animals were safely airlifted by way of Wings of Rescue, a charity that has flown close to 27,000 dogs and cats from high-intake and/or kill shelters to no-kill shelters.

The animals arrived at about 11 a.m. at the Fly Advanced Terminal at New Castle Airport, near New Castle. The venture was supported in part by Freekibble and GreaterGood.org, two charitable organizations that look to feed nutritious meals and improve health among animals, respectively.

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Hundreds of puppies and kittens were flown to Delaware Saturday to partake in the Brandywine Valley SPCA's Mega Adoption Event the weekend of June 17-18.(Photo: John J. Jankowski Jr./Special to The News Journal)

The animals are a part of the Brandywine Valley SPCA's Second Chance program, which welcomes at-risk animals from shelters locally and nationally to take part in the adoption opportunities at the Mega Adoption Event.

To donate to Wings of Rescue, visit www.wingsofrescue.org/donate. Learn more about Freekibble at Freekibble.com or the GreaterGood organization at GreaterGood.org.

For more information on the Brandywine Valley SPCA's adoption event, go to www.megaadopt.com.